Handbook of Distance Education
In the third edition of the Handbook of Distance Education for Adult Learners (2004), the five primary chapters have been revised to reflect additional lessons learned from the states. Expanded information on teaching with different curricula is included as well. Key topics include:
Recruitment
- Determining what skills are necessary for success in distance education
- Identifying and narrowing target audiences
- Recruitment strategies
Orientation
- Assessing student interests, goals, needs, competencies and technology skills
- Programmatic approaches to orientation
- Orientation to specific course materials, content and technology requirements
- Training students in organizational and study skills needed for working independently
- Setting student expectations for teacher feedback
Teaching at a Distance
- Methods of communicating with students
- Helping students develop and follow their learning plans and meet their goals
- Providing feedback about progress and performance
- Developing teacher- and program-level support strategies to encourage motivation and retention
Tracking Students and Assessing Their Performance
- Measuring learner participation
- Using assessment for placement purposes and to gauge student progress
- Identifying appropriate assessment strategies
Administrative Issues
- Distance learning as a pilot activity
- Creating an environment that encourages experimentation
- Choosing a model, curriculum and technology
- Distance learning as organizational change
- Understanding distance teachers' new roles and responsibilities
